1MDB says upcoming hearings with parliamentary committee postponed

Malaysia's debt-laden state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) said on Monday that upcoming hearings with a bipartisan parliamentary committee have been postponed after a notification by the finance ministry.

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearings on August 4, 5, 6, 17 and 18, as well as Sept 8 and 10 will be rescheduled to dates to be determined later, 1MDB said in a statement.

PAC is leading one of three official investigations into the fund.

A Malaysian parliamentary investigation into a graft scandal at 1MDB embroiling Prime Minister Najib Razak has been put on hold after the man overseeing the investigation, PAC chairman Nur Jazlan Mohamed, was appointed a new deputy home minister on July 29.

PAC deputy chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw confirmed that an official notification has been issued by Dewan Rakyat secretary Datuk Rosmee Hamzah.

He said no further explanation or alternative dates were given in the notification.

Earlier, 1MDB confirmed it had received the notification letter from the Dewan Rakyat secretary."1MDB respects the PAC as the lawful authority and the appropriate forum for questions on 1MDB to be asked and answered. We have confidence that the bi-partisan committee presents a fair opportunity for 1MDB to explain the company's position, to a lawful authority, per the requirements," it said in the statement.

"We once again reiterate our intention to extend our full co-operation to the PAC and look forward to appearing before the committee on the new dates," it said.

Opposition PAC members had earlier insisted that the proceedings would go on although Nur Jazlan had vacated the post.